CN1120695C - Ultrasonic spectral contrast imaging - Google Patents

Ultrasonic spectral contrast imaging Download PDF

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CN1120695C
CN1120695C CN95190933A CN95190933A CN1120695C CN 1120695 C CN1120695 C CN 1120695C CN 95190933 A CN95190933 A CN 95190933A CN 95190933 A CN95190933 A CN 95190933A CN 1120695 C CN1120695 C CN 1120695C
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signal
contrast medium
tissue
frequency
echo
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CN1135712A (en
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马塞尔·阿蒂迪
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Braco Switzerland Ltd
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Bracco Research SA
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/48—Diagnostic techniques
    • A61B8/481—Diagnostic techniques involving the use of contrast agent, e.g. microbubbles introduced into the bloodstream
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52023—Details of receivers
    • G01S7/52036—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation
    • G01S7/52038—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation involving non-linear properties of the propagation medium or of the reflective target
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52023—Details of receivers
    • G01S7/52036—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation
    • G01S7/52038—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation involving non-linear properties of the propagation medium or of the reflective target
    • G01S7/52039—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation involving non-linear properties of the propagation medium or of the reflective target exploiting the non-linear response of a contrast enhancer, e.g. a contrast agent

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Abstract

This invention is applicable to the electronic circuits found in echographic imaging instruments (such as those used for medical diagnosis). Its implementation requires the injection of specific contrast agents in the body, or more generally in the region to be imaged. The underlying principle of the new imaging proposed is based on use of frequency dependent behaviour of the ultrasound contrast agents containing microbubbles. In essence, these imaging principles exploit certain physical 'signatures' of the contrast agent responses, allowing increased contrast with respect to tissue background. This contrast enhancement is much larger than what is determined from direct echo amplitude monitoring.

Description

Ultrasonic spectral contrast imaging
Technical field
The present invention relates to utilize survey and contain contrast medium zone backward scattered organ of ultrasound wave and organization ultrasonic wave imaging method, this method comprises: ultrasonic beam is projected the tissue regions of waiting for imaging, reception from the echo of this tissue as the radio-frequency responsive signal, this radio-frequency responsive is treated as video output signals, deposit this output signal in the video scanning changer, again this tissue is scanned to produce the video image of institute inspection area.The present invention also comprises the ultrasonic imaging system of the organ or tissue of containing contrast medium, and this system comprises: be used to transmit and receive the ultrasound probe of ultrasonic signal, signal processing apparatus is used for the device and the display device of signal after the stores processor.Simultaneously, introduced and utilize this system to carry out the formation method of organ and tissue.
Background technology
Along with ultrasound wave is accepted extensively by people as diagnostic techniques a kind of economy, non-intrusion type, simultaneously along with the developing rapidly of electronics and correlation technique thereof, for ultrasonic equipment and ultrasonic signal treatment circuit have brought many improvement.The ultrasonic scanner that designs for medical or other purposes has become more cheap, has been easier to use, smaller and more exquisite, more accurate and more effective.Yet acoustic impedance that living tissue inside is produced changes faint, and dissimilar tissue (blood vessel, organ etc.) to the absorption difference of ultrasonic energy, these all make its diagnostic application can not catch up with development of technology constantly.This situation is along with the development that can monitor the ultrasound wave contrast medium and introducing and obtained significant change.Verified, introduce the contrast medium that constitutes by microactuator suspension bubble or micro-balloon to the organ of examine and can utilize the standard ultrasound wave device to obtain the ultrasonography more clearly of this organ and surrounding tissue thereof.Therefore, just become more high-visible as liver, spleen, kidney, heart or other soft tissue organs, this has just opened up new diagnostic field and has widened the application of ultrasound wave as a kind of diagnostic tool for B mould and doppler ultrasound.
Unfortunately, see, about the research and development of ultrasound wave contrast medium with about the research and development and asynchronous the carrying out of ultrasonic technology (being scanning means, electronic circuit, transducer and other hardware) with regard to present circumstances.To the part that originally is mutually related in this field almost is that the obtained progress of isolated development can cause updating of discrete product and system; Yet this can not provide the optimum synergistic effect that can produce by joint study equipment electronics/ultrasonic characteristic and contrast medium physical property the subject of knowledge and the object of knowledge.Have several isolated examples to report the improvement that combines about particular intermediaries/equipment, but the solution that is proposed have great limitation about such research.Highlyer organize resolution, picture rich in detail and will receive an acclaim more in order to produce, and if the realization of these methods is easy relatively, then they will be accepted widely as the more general method of hyperacoustic bigger versatility of diagnostic techniques.
Therefore, a large amount of document descriptions the various progress of ultrasonic equipment and imaging, for example U.S. Pat-A-4803993, US-A-4803994, US-A-4881549, US-A-5095909, US-A-5097836 or the like in the medical domain.Yet, although these documents real-time system and method, they all do not consider the physical property of contrast medium.In fact they do not relate to contrast medium at all.
In patent WO-A-93/12720 (Monaghan), a kind of trial that improves ultrasonic imaging has been described, wherein disclose and a kind of imaging method has been carried out in certain zone of health, this method is not based on from injecting the ultrasonography that is obtained before this contrast medium by deducting the image of introducing the same area that contrast medium obtains.According to this response subtraction principle, this method is superposeed by the image that same area obtained before and after introducing contrast medium, thereby the image in the contrast medium perfusion zone that has nothing to do with background image, noise or unwanted oscillation is provided.In theory, said method can provide the high quality graphic with enhancing contrast ratio.Yet actually, this method requires to keep the same reference invariant position of imaging region in long-time, that is to say that this time answers long enough, with the introducing of allowing contrast medium and be full of and keep lot of data.Therefore, even the realization of this method is not impossible, also be extremely difficult.This difficulty part is because, inevitably internal body motion relevant with breathing, digestion and heart beating, and part is because moving from ultrasonic operation personnel's imaging probe.In order to obtain best induction, feedback and diagnosis, most of realtime imaging probes are normally handed.
Burns, P. (Radiology 185 P (1992) 142) and Schrope, people such as B. (Ultrasound in Med.﹠amp; Biol.19 (1993) 567) improve and proposed significant suggestion containing imaging as the tissue of the microbubble suspensions of contrast medium.In above-mentioned corresponding document, the second harmonic frequency that suggestion utilization is produced by the microvesicle Non-Linear Ocsillation is as Doppler imaging parameters.The method that is proposed is promptly organized normally and demonstrate nonlinear response unlike microvesicle based on such fact, thereby this second harmonic method is allowed at the tissue that contains contrast medium and do not contained that degree of comparing amplifies between the tissue of contrast medium.Although this method is very attractive, it exists defective, and this is because its application will be satisfied the requirement of some strictnesses.At first, must obtain the excitation of ＂ bubble resonance ＂ fundamental frequency by the pulse (being the relative long impulse train in some radio frequencies week) of suitable narrow band.Handle required circuit and condition although this requirement is suitable for carrying out Doppler, it becomes inapplicable under the situation of B mould imaging, because the ultrasonic pulse of this moment has the very short persistent period (typical case is half cycle or week excitation).In this case, do not have enough energy to be transformed into its ＂ second harmonic ＂, thereby the pattern of B mould imaging can not be used for above-mentioned echo amplifying method from fundamental frequency.The second, return in the process of transducer through tissue at ultrasonic echo, the second harmonic that is produced is attenuated, and its rate of decay is determined by its frequency, that is to say the rate of decay of its rate of decay apparently higher than fundamental frequency.This restriction just becomes the defective of this ＂ harmonic imaging ＂ method, thereby is limited in its application to be fit within the propagation degree of depth of ＂ second harmonic ＂ high frequency ultrasound wave attenuation.In addition, in order to produce the echo-signal component on the twice fundamental frequency, ＂ harmonic imaging ＂ requires the Non-Linear Ocsillation of contrast medium.This behavior forces ultrasonic exciting intensity to surpass certain valve at imaging point (i.e. tissue in certain degree of depth on).During Non-Linear Ocsillation, the occurrence frequency conversion especially causes part acoustic energy to be transformed into its second harmonic from basic driving frequency.From another point of view, above-mentioned excitation density should not surpass the microbubble ruptures level that microvesicle is damaged, thereby harmonic imaging will be failed owing to the damage of contrast medium in the imaging region.Above-mentioned requirement for restriction Image-forming instrument is set up as follows to guarantee that transaudient intensity drops in the specific energy band scope: promptly this intensity should be enough high to produce second harmonic component, should hang down simultaneously to prevent that microvesicle is damaged in several cycles as far as possible.
Therefore, contrast before those ＂ the method for ＂ comparison behind the ＂ and ＂, processing from standard in real time the method for when carrying out (be so-called ＂ ＂) real-time echo electronic signal of obtaining simultaneously in using will push ahead major step to the application of ultrasonic equipment for medical diagnosis, make it to obtain imaging more clearly, and widen its range of application.This method will be based on utilizing signal processing function that the echo-signal from imaging region is amplified, and the design of this signal processing function is to amplify based on the frequency response parameter to contain the zone of contrast medium and do not comprise contrast between the zone of contrast medium.This method also should be that application is easy, and is easy to realize in new instrument design.
In brief, the present invention relates to utilize survey and comprise the ultrasound wave back scattering in contrast medium zone and to carry out organ and organization ultrasonic ripple imaging method, steps of the method are: ultrasonic beam is projected the tissue regions for the treatment of imaging also receive by the echo of this tissue reflection as the radio-frequency responsive signal, this radio-frequency responsive is carried out demodulation and forms video output signals, deposit this output signal in the video scanning changer, scan this tissue and repeat above-mentioned steps is examined the zone with generation video image.The main points of this method are this step of demodulation, comprising; At least two frequencies of selection in the scope between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side boundary vicinity of contrast medium response and tissue response, import signal at least two separate passages, this passage has the passband that is tuned in selected frequency, again the signal in each autonomous channel is carried out demodulation.In case after the demodulation, all signals are synthesized a single output signal, the reflection echo that wherein is contained in the contrast medium in the tissue is amplified significantly with respect to the reflection echo of this tissue itself.
On the other hand, according to the tissue and the response characteristic (being that the contrast medium resonant frequency value is with respect to the variation of organizing resonant frequency value) of contrast medium, select to be used to set the frequency of autonomous channel band filter in advance and can in the frequency range between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side boundary vicinity and contrast medium respond, select.
The invention still further relates to utilize and survey the system that comprises the ultrasound wave back scattering in contrast medium zone and carry out organ and the imaging of organization ultrasonic ripple, this system comprises: ultrasound probe is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signal; Signal processing apparatus; Be used for the device and the display device of signal after the stores processor.Wherein, signal processing apparatus comprises: be used for signal send into respectively at least two separate and have a signal separator of the passage of passband, but this passage independent tuning is at least two frequencies, this frequency is between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response, or between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium respond; At least two RF demodulators, the above-mentioned autonomous channel of respectively doing for oneself is used; And the device that is used for the restituted signal from each autonomous channel is processed into single output, wherein the reflection echo by contained contrast medium in the tissue is amplified significantly with respect to the reflection echo of this tissue itself.The separation of autonomous channel can utilize common alterable band-pass filter or have the spectrum analyzer of different disposal algorithm (for example fast Fourier transform, Short Time Fourier Transform, wavelet transformation or Che Pu-Z (Chirp-Z) conversion) and carry out.
The present invention has also introduced and has been used to handle by the tissue reflection that contains contrast medium, as the device of the ultrasonic echo of radiofrequency signal, this device comprises and is used for ultrasound echo signal is separated at least two signal separators with autonomous channel of passband, wherein but the passband independent tuning is at least two preset frequencies, this preset frequency or is selected between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium respond between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response; At least two RF demodulators, one of each autonomous channel; Be used for the restituted signal of each autonomous channel is processed into the device of single output, wherein the reflection echo of contrast medium is amplified for the reflection echo of tissue itself significantly in the tissue.Three or four autonomous channels may provide more distinct image; Yet the increase of passage has increased the complexity of system, thereby the selection of number of active lanes will be the result who trades off between picture quality and system complex degree.
The present invention has also disclosed and has utilized native system patient and ill domestic animal tissue or organ to be carried out the situation of ultrasonic imaging.
Brief Description Of Drawings
Fig. 1 has provided the frequency response curve of different reverberation pulse echos.
Fig. 2 is for describing according to the present invention the block diagram of double frequency B mould contrast imaging in the linear array sounding instrument.
Fig. 3 has described according to multifrequency contrast imaging process of the present invention.
Be based on such accident about main contents of the present invention and find, promptly by utilizing real-time method to survey the enhancing image that the ultrasound wave back scattering that contains the contrast medium zone has obtained organ and tissue.In this real-time method, ultrasonic beam is undertaken by at least two autonomous channels with the passband that is tuned in selected frequency in the reception of the reflection echo of the projection for the treatment of the imaging tissue regions, tissue, echo and the process that is converted into the radio-frequency responsive signal.Each passband is tuned in different preset frequencies, depend on the characteristic of contrast medium and tissue, be lower than under the situation of organizing peak response in the contrast medium resonant frequency, select in the frequency range of this preset frequency between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side boundary vicinity of contrast medium response and tissue response.Yet when the resonant frequency of contrast medium was higher than the peak response of tissue, this preset frequency should be selected in the frequency range between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side boundary vicinity and contrast medium response.The definition of this 6dB bandwidth is meant that response remains on the frequency range of amplitude peak more than 50%.As the autonomous channel and separated signal subsequently by demodulation and be processed into single output signal, the reflection echo that wherein is contained in contrast medium in the tissue is amplified for the reflection echo of tissue (tissue that does not promptly contain contrast medium) itself significantly.Then, this output signal by deposited in the video scanning changer and to tissue scan with generation be examined the zone real time video image.Scanning and produce video image and have its conventional meaning at this is about to ultrasonic energy sequentially scan along predefined scanning line, and the frequencydependence characteristic that receives reflection echo is also done several times to every scanning line and handled.Then, to constituting one group of scanning line repeated several times said process of each video image.
Obviously, real-time method disclosed herein only effectively or be suitable for to the organ or tissue of containing contrast medium because in the middle of scope of the present invention, carry out organ and imaging of tissue without contrast medium more superior unlike the ultrasonic imaging of routine.
Verified, the autonomous channel number is many more, and the picture quality that is generated is just good more.Therefore, the system that is operated at least three preset frequencies demonstrates higher resolution than the system that only is operated in two preset frequencies.But the number that increases the autonomous channel of using exists actual restriction.Outnumber four if increase this, although may cause the further improvement of picture quality, increased the complexity of method and system, thereby increased cost and make signal processing complicated.
The tissue that term ＂ organizes ＂ own or do not have a contrast medium is meant the inaccessiable tissue part of contrast medium, promptly is not introduced into the dabbling tissue of the intravital contrast medium of patient.Project the ultrasound wave for the treatment of imaging region its pass tissue and the way returned in, part that will be by being full of contrast medium or cross section and other do not contain the part or the cross section of contrast medium.This should not carried out imaging method to homolog or tissue and obscure mutually with known before and after contrast medium is introduced.At this, this contrast medium all exists during whole imaging, only media is poured into Qu Yufei and pours into and distinguish.
Tissue response one speech is meant that the round trip energy as the function of frequency shifts, and comprises ultrasonic propagation and reflection, sound-electricity conversion, radio frequency amplification and general processing procedure in electric excitation, electricity-sound conversion, the tissue.
Ultimate principle in the new formation method of the present invention is based on the frequencydependence characteristic that utilizes the ultrasound wave contrast medium.In essence, these image-forming principles have depended on or have utilized certain physical characteristic or the ＂ signature ＂ of contrast medium response, thereby wild phase is for the contrast of background.It is found that, the physical characteristic of the media of being studied and its composition structurally associated, its relevant degree is to find to oppose that the notion of media feature is the immediate simulation of experimental observation.The contrast of having described is amplified degree much larger than the situation that is obtained by direct echo amplitude monitoring, thereby its potentiality are appreciable.
Another advantage of the present invention derives from such fact, promptly in itself, the parameter that is adopted does not require any non-linear, that is to say that these parameters do not require that contrast medium is operated under the nonlinear way, this is because required signal processing algorithm does not rely on and encourage contrast medium on predeterminated level.On the contrary, it can be operated under the condition of linearity or nonlinear response.
Importantly, the selection of frequency should make the difference of contrast medium reflected back wave amplitude and tissue (tissue that does not promptly contain contrast medium) reflected back wave amplitude itself in the self-organizing or ratio for maximum; This will be under the situation of selecting frequency with aforesaid way and realize.For simplicity, one of institute's selected frequency can be the resonant frequency of contrast medium, and another or other frequency is then selected higher or lowerly.Be lower than under the peaked situation of tissue response in the contrast medium resonant frequency, the second selected frequency should be higher, and organizing peak response to be lower than under the situation of contrast medium resonant frequency, and the second selected frequency should be with above-mentioned opposite, and is promptly lower.The result that contrast medium with different echo resonant frequency curves is experimentized shows that in most of the cases, the resonant frequency of contrast medium is lower than the maximum of tissue response; Yet, also may exist and above-mentioned opposite situation.Under any circumstance, no matter relating to first kind of situation still is second kind of situation, corresponding to the electronic signal that receives echo all by the autonomous channel, then by demodulation.Be formed to one output signal in certain easy mode (as be divided by, subtract each other, the combination of addition or the whole bag of tricks) subsequently through the signal of each autonomous channel of demodulation.Typically, this processing procedure is performed such, and promptly this Processing Algorithm provides contrast medium reflection echo signal amplitude in the self-organizing and do not contain contrast medium and organizes maximum difference between the reflection echo signal amplitude.For example, in response to input spectrum component S (f 1), S (f 2), S (f 3) or the like output signal Sout can be processed to be proportional to the signal of one of following algorithm:
Sout＝S(f 1)-S(f 2)，
Sout＝[S(f 1)-S(f 2)]/S(f 1)，
Sout＝[S(f 1)-S(f 2)]/S(f 2)，
Sout＝2[S(f 1)-S(f 2)]/[S(f 1)+S(f 2)]，
Sout＝{[S(f 1)-S(f 2)]/2-S(f 3)}/{[S(f 1)+S(f 2)]/2}，
Sout＝{[S(f 1)-S(f 2)]/2-S(f 3)}/S(f 3)，
Sout＝S(f 1)/S(f 2)，
Sout=InS (f 1)-InS (f 2), or above-mentioned combination in any.In all cases, following column selection can be suitable for:
A) if Sout＜0 then makes Sout=0.
B) as if Sout＜0, then using | Sout| replaces Sout.
C) output signal Sout can replace with its natural logrithm or any other nonlinear function.
D) can be to component S (f 1), S (f 2) and S (f 3) arrange arbitrarily.
E) can change any component S (f) into its square S 2(f).
F) arbitrarily component S (f) can be with near its mean square meansigma methods replacement in passband Df f: i.e. [1/f] ∫ S 2(f) df.
G) can select for use than the response of all the other frequency places and more help near respond the frequency f any other processing selecting.
Be also pointed out that, the selection of preliminary election or preset frequency value can be regarded the reflection echo function of the time of advent as, wherein this preset frequency is used to be provided with the autonomous channel, these passages can be common alterable band-pass filters, or corresponding equivalent devices, as using the spectrum analyzer of fast Fourier transform.In other words, owing to depend on the degree of depth that it is penetrated in health from the ultrasound wave response of specific imaging organ or tissue, thus the quality of image will depend on the selection of used frequency.Therefore,, use lower frequency and can obtain better image, then should adopt the reference frequency of shifting to higher-end to carry out imaging for organ or tissue near transducer for tissue that is positioned at deep layer and organ.
On the other hand, the present invention has also comprised and utilizes the system that organ and imaging of tissue are carried out in the ultrasound wave back scattering that contains the contrast medium zone that surveys, this system to comprise in order to ultrasonic transducer and electronic circuit, the signal processing apparatus of emission and received ultrasonic signal, be used for the device and the display device of signal after the stores processor.Wherein, signal processing apparatus comprises: be used to separate the signal at least two devices with autonomous channel of passband, but this passband independent tuning is at least two frequencies, this frequency is between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response, or between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium respond; At least two RF demodulators, one of each autonomous channel; And the device that is used for the restituted signal from the autonomous channel is processed into single output signal, in this output signal, the reflection echo of contrast medium is amplified significantly with respect to the reflection echo of tissue itself in the tissue.The device that is used to separate the signal into the autonomous channel can be common alterable band-pass filter.Just as already noted, the system with three autonomous channels is more superior than the system that only has two autonomous channels, and it is more superior than the system with three autonomous channels to have the system of four autonomous channels; But the exact number of used autonomous channel will be considered complexity/interests ratio and determine.
According to another kind of scheme of the present invention, replace band filter, this system can use spectrum analyzer, and the working method of this spectrum analyzer comes down to identical, promptly utilize above-mentioned preset frequency, no matter whether its set point value is the reflection echo function of the time of advent.This spectrum analyzer can utilize fast Fourier transform, and Ben Pu-Z (Chirp-Z) conversion, Short Time Fourier Transform or wavelet transformation carry out signal processing.The selection of these treatment technologies or the selection of other form [for example splitting spectrum (split-spectrum) handle] will be determined (as believing/make an uproar ratio, sound interference, axial resolution requirement, or the like) by imaging circumstances institute's requirement.For example, become splitting spectrum (split-spectrum) to handle the ultrasonic examination that is applied to solid material wavelet transformation and demonstrated their potential superioritys, these application scenarios are comparison difficulties, wherein interested echo shape amplitude very similar or echo (for example be lower than ambient interferences, Xin, J. wait people N.M., IEEE ultrasonics in 1992 seminar).
Spectrum analyzer can also comprise zero-crossing detector or self correlation descriminator.Preset frequency is different selected frequency, between the 6dB bandwidth low side boundary vicinity (or on every side) that they are positioned at contrast medium response and the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth (or on every side) of tissue response, or be positioned between the 6dB bandwidth low side boundary vicinity (or on every side) of tissue response and the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth (or on every side) that contrast medium responds.Just as already noted, its accurate zone will depend on two kinds of different possible cases being mentioned.
As selection, this system also can comprise and is connected in demodulator and is placed on nonlinear amplifier between the demodulator, and at least one analog subtraction/division amplifier.Yet this system always comprises the device that is used for the restituted signal of each autonomous channel is processed into single output signal, and its processing mode is that the reflection echo of contrast medium in the tissue is amplified for the reflection echo that does not contain the contrast medium tissue significantly.This blood processor comprises at least one analog subtraction/division amplifier, in order to utilize one or more algorithms that exemplify above output signal is handled.Yet just as already noted, this system is not limited to use any of these algorithm, because they just provide as an example.
System of the present invention can comprise analog or digital video scanning changer, and as preferred version, any signal processing is carried out by Fundamental Digital Circuit, and this circuit is used to handle the data that obtained by the analog/digital conversion of ultrasound echo signal.Can handle with multifrequency the amplitude of output signal is encoded by the different video color, and then it is superimposed upon on the common greyscale video image that utilizes common processing mode in the imaging of B mould and obtain.
The advantage of method and system disclosed herein can be used in signalling channel is the system of a part of pulse Doppler ultrasonic system receiver equally, wherein also can comprise the output of spectral domain video and/or the acoustic signal output of expression VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION spectrum, the preferred version of this acoustic signal output is to use speaker, but also can use any other sound reproduction equipment easily.In the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system, also can comprise various favourable selection, for example can comprise the two-dimension speed scattergram, this distribution can also be carried out color-code, the echo amplitude of from moving target doppler echo component, deriving or the two-dimensional distribution of energy can also be comprised, the predetermined speed threshold values of certain set-point can be selected to be below or above.
At last, use the work of the system of echo spectral domain Fourier, Che Pu-Z (Chirp-Z) or wavelet transformation analysis, can be within the time slip-window scope of echo with this spectral domain analytical applications.
Another aspect of the present invention comprises a kind of ultrasonic equipment, this equipment includes ultrasound probe, the signal processing apparatus that is used to launch with received ultrasonic signal, filter, be used for the device and the display device of signal after the stores processor, wherein this signal processing apparatus contains one or more devices of above-mentioned processing ultrasonic echo.Ultrasonic equipment of the present invention can be used for the tissue or the organ imaging of patient and ill domestic animal, and is specially adapted to the imaging of cardiovascular system.
In order to further specify disclosed formation method, various scattering objects are useful through desired acoustic energy response after propagating in the investigation human body.Fig. 1 has described the typical frequencies response of pulse-echo system: i.e. Zu Zhi emission-receptions response (comprise electricity-sonic transducer responds and as the differential attenuation in the tissue of frequency function), and the emission-reception that contains the contrast medium of single size microvesicle responds.In this example, f rBe the resonant frequency of microvesicle in the contrast medium, and f 1And f 2For suitably select, be different from f rThe frequency component value of value.When the excitation amplitude made the generation Non-Linear Ocsillation, energy was equally at second harmonic frequency 2f rThe place is by back scattering.In Fig. 1, should be understood that importantly given curve differs from one another for contrast medium and tissue itself.In other words, these curves have been represented the response of these different ultrasound reflector.Under the practical natural image-forming condition, echo-signal is the stack of various targets of being shone by ultrasonic beam (or reflector) response.Therefore, the spectrum of corresponding echo-signal also is the stack from each reflector ultrasonic echo wave spectrum.
When signal is received and utilizes algorithm S Out=S (f r)/S (f 1), S Out=S (f 1)/S (f 2), S Out={ S (f 1)-S (f 2)]/S (f 2) or other algorithm of mentioning when handling, not that echo-signal amplitude from contrast medium is starkly lower than the echo-signal amplitude from contrast medium.Reason is frequency f 1And f 2Selection.For instance, this selection makes tissue response at f 1Amplitude and tissue response at f 2Amplitude ratio (be T (f 1)/T (f 2)) be far smaller than the contrast medium response at f 1Amplitude and contrast medium response at f 2Amplitude ratio (be A (f 1)/A (f 2)).
Such signal processing can be used for the imaging pattern of multiple standards echo sounder basically, for example: the scanning of mechanical B mould, linearity or the scanning of phased array electronics B mould, to color Doppler imaging or the energy color Doppler imaging of image by scattering object relative velocity coding.In the middle of the imaging of energy color Doppler, after Doppler's electric circuit inspection, image color is encoded separately by echo amplitude, wherein Doppler's circuit for eliminating all echoes from static target.
In fact, the present invention requires frequency component to extract from the original radio frequency echo-signal; This can be realized in many ways by hardware or software approach, and all these all relate to scope of the present invention.In following introduction, a kind of hardware plan has been described, this scheme adopts and is equipped with the two-path amplifier of analog band-pass filter at f 1And f 2The place extracts echo component, calculates the restituted signal ratio then so that produce video image on scan converter.The another kind of selection is to utilize digital circuit, and this circuit carries out fast Fourier transform, Che Pu-Z (Chirp-Z) conversion or wavelet transformation to the echo waveform sampled data.
In analog form, Fig. 2 has described a kind of typical multifrequency B mould contrast imaging in the linear array sounding instrument of the present invention.This sounding instrument comprises following ingredient at least: timing circuit 1, time gain control circuit 2, radio-frequency transmissions feedback circuitry phase 3, pulse radiating circuit 4, Tx/Rx-(emission/reception) unit multiplexer 5, ultrasonic transducer 6, radio frequency receive feedback circuitry phase 7, have the reception amplifier 8 of time gain function, be arranged at frequency f 1Band filter 9, be arranged at frequency f 2Band filter 9 ', RF demodulator and nonlinear amplifier (passage 1) 10, RF demodulator and nonlinear amplifier (passage 2) 10 ', analog subtraction/division amplifier 11, video move retouches changer 12 and video-frequency monitor 13.
On operation principle, timing circuit is used for defining pulse recurrence frequency specially, and this repetition rate is that to construct two-dimentional echo-wave imaging as zone sequence scanning necessary according to being treated as.To the pulse excitation of each order, this timing circuit timeorigin that has been the time-dependent function definition also, wherein the time-dependent function is in order to provide variable gain amplifier to the echo-signal from the degree of depth of continuous increase.This function realizes that by the unit that is called as " time gain control circuit " this unitary output can be the voltage that changes, and this voltage is applied to have the gain control of adjustable gain reception amplifier.This timing circuit also defines emission feedback phase, this feedback is that accurately each unit of sequential energisation linear array transducer focuses on the generation wave beam and scans necessary mutually, its form can be order trigger signal pulse group, and preparation is applied to multichannel electric excitation circuit (＂ pulse radiating circuit ＂).This timing circuit also provides gets in touch required signal with predefined array element group and the foundation of pulse radiating circuit, and this utilizes the connection that is provided by the transmitter/receiver unit multiplexer to realize.The focusing and the scanning that receive ultrasonic beam are finished by radio frequency reception feedback circuitry phase, and the phase place of this circuit and delay are regulated and also controlled by this timing circuit.The output signal of this reception feedback circuitry phase is introduced into aforementioned amplifier with time gain control circuit subsequently.The output of this amplifier is used as public input and is fed to aforementioned multiprocessing passage just, in order to separate the frequency component that receives in the echo.The example utilization of Fig. 2 is presented echo-signal and is finished frequency separation by different band filters, then as the normal echo survey meter, pass through radio demodulating and non-linear amplification again.Then, each output of multiprocessing passage is directed to analog subtraction/division amplifier as input signal, and this Amplifier Design is used to finish aforementioned various Processing Algorithm, and it has utilized the well-known function characteristic of electronic circuit.The output of this amplifier is sent to the input of video scanning changer subsequently, prepares will to import data to each sequential pulse and gets off with scanning and localized mode record corresponding to selected wave beam.Therefore, utilization repeats said process with specific repetitive rate, and all change beam scanning and/or focusing each time to obtain the echo of ordinal position in organ and the tissue, the output signal of this scan converter is carried out real-time update to the two dimensional image that shows on the video-frequency monitor, be its speed at several two field pictures of per second between the per second hundreds of two field picture, this speed feels it is enough for instrumentation personnel reproduction of moving.In said process, for the image that under similar image-forming condition, obtains with conventional instrument, amplified significantly with the contrast that contains the corresponding sounding image-region in contrast medium zone.
Through sounding image that signal processing of the present invention produced by forming from the pictorial element that sets off by contrast media (pixel), its intensity is far longer than the pixel from typical organization's echo, this is owing to have only contrast medium just to have specific frequency-response characteristic, thereby its echo-signal can be handled by subtraction/division and be exaggerated.Typically, B mould imaging effect as shown in Figure 3.Under the situation that contrast medium exists, the analog image of imaging of standard B mould and imaging of the present invention has illustrated the effect of utilizing the inventive method to obtain.In the figure, the mark of double frequency B mould imaging means and only considers that two preset frequencies select.
Just as already noted, can processing procedure like Doppler's passage processing application class be amplified in order to the contrast that is improved under the two-dimensional Doppler imaging situation of speed color-code or energy color-code.
Formation method disclosed in this invention has utilized the frequency response of contrast medium under the linear backscatter mode, and this response is certain typical function, and it obviously is different from the frequency response of tissue.In the scope of this explanation, term ＂ imaging ＂ is not applied to ultrasound wave B mould imaging (pixel intensity depend on echo strength and irrelevant with motion), color Doppler energy (plain color color or intensity depend on the target-echo intensity that relative velocity is below or above certain threshold values) or color Doppler with making any distinction between and handles in the scope of (pixel is colored as the function of relative target velocity).
The present invention can be applicable to all and utilizes the ultrasound wave contrast medium that tissue is carried out dabbling detection system, also can be applicable to the electronic circuit in the sounding imager, for example is used for the electronic circuit of medical diagnosis sounding imager.Realization of the present invention needs in vivo, and (or more generally in imaging region) injects specific contrast medium.

Claims (30)

1. utilize and survey the real-time method that contains contrast medium zone ultrasound wave back scattering and carry out organ and the imaging of organization ultrasonic ripple, this method comprises to treating imaging tissue regions projection ultrasonic beam, the reflection echo that receives self-organizing is as the radio-frequency responsive signal, this radio-frequency responsive signal is processed into video output, the output of this video is stored in the video scanning changer and tissue is scanned to produce the video image in detected zone, the characteristics of this method are that it may further comprise the steps to the processing of response:
A) between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response, or at least two frequencies of selection in the scope between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that responds with contrast medium on the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border;
B) signal is transmitted by at least two autonomous channels with the passband that is tuned in selected frequency;
C) signal to each autonomous channel carries out demodulation and they is processed into single output, and the reflection echo of contrast medium is amplified significantly with respect to the reflection echo of tissue itself in wherein organizing.
2. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the selection of frequency is to carry out in the frequency range between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response.
3. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the selection of frequency is to carry out in the frequency range between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium response.
4. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that principle that frequency is selected is to make contrast medium reflection echo amplitude in the tissue and do not contain contrast medium and organize the difference of reflection echo amplitude or its ratio for maximum.
5. select three frequencies at least according to the process of claim 1 wherein, and signal transmits by three autonomous channels at least.
6. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that one of selected frequency is the resonant frequency of contrast medium.
7. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the numerical value of selected frequency is the reflection echo function of the time of advent.
8. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that the channel signal through demodulation utilizes division, subtraction, addition or its combinational algorithm to handle.
9. utilize the system that organ and imaging of tissue are carried out in the ultrasound wave back scattering that contains the contrast medium zone that surveys, this system comprises the device and the display device of signal after the ultrasonic transducer that is used to transmit and receive ultrasonic signal and electronic circuit, signal processing apparatus, the stores processor, it is characterized in that signal processing apparatus, this blood processor comprises:
A) be used to separate the signal at least two signal separators with autonomous channel of passband, wherein but the passband independent tuning is at least two preset frequencies, this preset frequency or is selected between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium respond between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response;
B) at least two RF demodulators, one of each autonomous channel;
C) be used for the restituted signal of each autonomous channel is processed into the device of single output, wherein the reflection echo of contrast medium is amplified for the reflection echo of tissue itself significantly in the tissue.
10. according to the system of claim 9, wherein signal is divided at least three autonomous channels.
11. according to the system of claim 9, wherein signal separator is alterable band-pass filter or spectrum analyzer.
12. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein preset frequency is different selected frequency, this frequency is between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side boundary vicinity of contrast medium response and tissue response.
13. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein preset frequency is different selected frequency, this frequency is between the high-end boundary vicinity of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side boundary vicinity and contrast medium response.
14. according to the system of claim 12 or 13, wherein preset frequency is the reflection echo function of the time of advent.
15. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein this system further comprises and is connected to signal separator and has the reception amplifier of time gain function and/or be connected to the nonlinear amplifier of demodulator.
16. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein blood processor comprises that at least one is used to handle the analog subtraction of output signal/division amplifier.
17. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein this system comprises the video scanning changer.
18. according to the system of claim 9 or 11, wherein any signal processing can be finished with Fundamental Digital Circuit, promptly the data that obtained by the analog-to-digital conversion of ultrasound echo signal is handled.
19. according to the system of claim 9, wherein multifrequency is handled and is used for by the different video color output signal being encoded, and prepares to be superimposed on by on the common greyish white video image that processing method obtains usually in the imaging of B mould.
20. according to the system of claim 9, wherein signalling channel is the part of pulse Doppler ultrasonic system receiver.
21. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system contains the audio signal output that utilizes speaker and produce.
22. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system comprises the particular video frequency output of expression VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION spectrum.
23. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system comprises the two-dimension speed scattergram.
24. according to the system of claim 23, wherein the two-dimension speed scattergram is a color-code.
25. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system comprises from the echo amplitude of moving target doppler echo component or the X-Y scheme of energy.
26. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system comprises from the X-Y scheme with the doppler echo component that is lower than reservation threshold speed moving target.
27. according to the system of claim 20, wherein the pulse Doppler ultrasonic system comprises from the X-Y scheme with the doppler echo component that is higher than reservation threshold speed moving target.
28. according to the system of claim 11, wherein spectral domain Fourier transformation, Che Pu-transform or the wavelet transformation analysis to echo is applied within the time slip-window of echo.
29. utilize method in the claim 1 handle as radiofrequency signal, by the device that contains the ultrasonic echo that the contrast medium tissue produced, it is characterized in that this device comprises:
A) be used for ultrasound echo signal is separated at least two signal separators with autonomous channel of passband, wherein but the passband independent tuning is at least two preset frequencies, this preset frequency or is selected between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth that the 6dB of tissue response bandwidth low side border and contrast medium respond between the high-end border of 6dB bandwidth of the 6dB bandwidth low side border of contrast medium response and tissue response;
B) at least two RF demodulators, one of each autonomous channel;
C) be used for the restituted signal of each autonomous channel is processed into the device of single output, wherein the reflection echo of contrast medium is amplified for the reflection echo of tissue itself significantly in the tissue.
30., wherein comprise the device that is used for signal is divided at least three autonomous channels according to the device of claim 29.
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FI962143A0 (en) 1996-05-21
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DE69533059D1 (en) 2004-06-24
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WO1996009002A1 (en) 1996-03-28
JPH09505761A (en) 1997-06-10

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